Labor shortages in the residential construction sector are impeding the recovery of the housing market and the economy, according to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders.
"The survey of our members shows that since June of 2012, residential construction firms are reporting an increasing number of shortages in all aspects of the industry-from carpenters, excavators, framers, roofers and plumbers, to bricklayers, HVAC, building maintenance managers and weatherization workers. The same holds true for subcontractors," said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.
Labor shortages in the residential construction sector are impeding the recovery of the housing market and the economy, according to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders.
"The survey of our members shows that since June of 2012, residential construction firms are reporting an increasing number of shortages in all aspects of the industry-from carpenters, excavators, framers, roofers and plumbers, to bricklayers, HVAC, building maintenance managers and weatherization workers. The same holds true for subcontractors," said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.
During the recession, businesses were forced to close their doors or lay off workers. Many of the laid-off workers have found jobs in other trades, so as the housing market recovers, construction companies are being forced to turn down projects and cancel sales due to a lack of manpower, says the NAHB.
In an effort to meet the demand for skilled workers, the Home Builders Institute is working with the NAHB to provide career training and job placement in the home building industry. The institute says that 80 percent of its students who graduate from the pre-apprenticeship programs are placed in jobs in the building sector.